Tai Chi 40th Anniversary Concert Remembering Late Bandmate Gary Tong: Brothers Keep a Spot for Him - "The Show Will Always Belong to Him"
When you talk about legends of the Hong Kong music scene, the name Tai Chi always holds a special place. Formed forty years ago, these brothers who've grown up together are now deep in rehearsals for their upcoming Tai Chi 40th Anniversary Concert. But this time around, the concert is more than just a milestone; it's a tribute to a mate they've lost. Because on that stage, they'll be missing the quiet but irreplaceable figure behind the keyboard: Gary Tong.
The bond between the Tai Chi members is famously solid in the industry. Gary's sudden passing last year left them and their fans heartbroken. After some time, the bandmates have pulled themselves together, channelling that grief into what they do best – using music to 'share the stage' with Gary once more.
Setlist Crafted with Care: Deep Cuts Picked Just for Him
For this concert, core members including Joey Tang, Patrick Lui, and Edde Sing started planning early. Alongside the guaranteed classics like "Red Carpet" and "Crystal", they also want to take fans back to their old band room, digging out some long-unplayed hidden gems. According to insiders, Patrick mentioned during rehearsals that Gary often talked about wanting to perform some of their old B-sides, feeling those tracks truly represented the band's musical experimentation. "He said songs like 'After the Cold Wind' and 'Don't Want to Be Stuck on Love' – maybe newer fans don't know them, but he really missed that feeling." So for this show, they've specifically included these tracks in the setlist, as a final gift to Gary and a way to fulfil his wish.
"We've Always Kept a Spot for Him at the Show"
Speaking about the stage design, someone involved in production revealed that Joey Tang emotionally stated that even though Gary can't be there in person, they'll definitely have a spot reserved for him. "Maybe we'll put his favourite keyboard there, or use projections so he can jam with us. This show will always be Tai Chi as a seven-piece band. The spot will always be kept for him."
Long-time friends who've worked closely with Tai Chi, like Paul Wong and the recently active group OneWeekStAr, are also likely to appear as guests. Those close to them recall Paul mentioning how they'd muck around backstage back in the day, with Gary always quietly watching everyone have fun, reminiscing about the friendship forged in those underground band rooms.
Concert Highlights at a Glance:
- Tribute Segment: Special performance of several non-hit songs Gary loved, including deep cuts like "Never Say Goodbye Again".
- Star Guests: Friends like Paul Wong and OneWeekStAr will join them on stage, sharing memories and stories about Gary.
- Archival Footage: The big screens will show rare documentaries and behind-the-scenes clips from the band's early days, including footage of Gary creating in the band room.
- On-Site Display: A special area in the venue will showcase Gary's instruments and personal belongings, allowing fans to pay their respects.
A forty-year brotherhood isn't something you just let go. The other six members of Tai Chi have chosen to continue their connection with Gary Tong through music, transforming their loss into genuine, heartfelt moments on stage. For fans who've been listening since the eighties, this concert is about more than just the songs. It's a chance to witness a bond in the Hong Kong music scene that transcends life and death, and to properly say to this quiet musical maestro: Gary, thank you. We'll never forget you.